New to the Military

Welcome to the service. You may feel like an outsider as you begin your military journey, but Military OneSource has the information, tools and resources you’ll need to transition smoothly and quickly to military life. Soon, things will feel old hat.

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Understanding the Basics

U.S. Army Soldiers conduct their two-mile run during the Army Physical Fitness Test

Getting Settled - The Essentials

A grocery store employee speaks with a group of new service members in the meat department.

Getting Connected - The Essentials

Military Career - The Essentials

Latest Content

Department of Defense and Military Identification Cards

April 17, 2019 @ 1:28 PM | 4 Min Read | 208007 Views

One of the most valuable assets to service members is their military ID. The Department of Defense issues distinct identification cards to uniformed service members, their family members and other eligible individuals to serve as proof of the cardholder's identity and Department of Defense affiliation.

Group of Marines and Sailors with open books listen to financial seminar.

Military Pay 101: Basic Pay, Allowances and S&I Pay

April 10, 2019 @ 3:54 PM | 12 Min Read | 131 Views

As an active-duty service member, you receive many benefits and entitlements like free access to Military OneSource services and support. One of the primary benefits to working in the military is a steady paycheck and tax-free allowances. Here’s a summary of the different military pay elements you might see on your monthly Leave and Earnings Statement.

Man in a military uniform shows a stack of twenty dollar bills.

Managing Your Money as a New Service Member

April 10, 2019 @ 12:19 PM | 4 Min Read | 19972 Views

You're learning a lot of new skills in the military, and money management should be one of them. As a service member, you may earn more, get special duty pay or have new expenses. It's your money. Make the most of it by creating a financial plan. Staying on top of your finances is important for your security clearance, your career and your future.

Are You Financially Fit? How to Make Financial Wellness Happen

February 25, 2019 @ 1:10 PM | 5 Min Read | 36036 Views

They say money can't buy happiness, but a financially-healthy future can buy peace of mind. Plus, financial security at home allows service members to be more focused and mission-ready.

Military pay technician examines a financial document.

Your Leave and Earnings Statement

December 26, 2018 @ 12:24 PM | 3 Min Read | 47863 Views

Your monthly Leave and Earnings Statement, or LES, is one of the most important financial documents you have for mastering your money and achieving your financial goals. Here's how to decipher the code.

10 Tips to Take to Basic Training

December 13, 2018 @ 1:55 PM | 3 Min Read | 35256 Views

Basic training varies by service branch, but it’ll help you to know these facts of military life before you report for duty. Own these 10 bits of advice from people who have been there.

Meeting Fitness Standards

December 13, 2018 @ 1:55 PM | 3 Min Read | 28303 Views

Physical fitness is a big part of life in the military. It’s required. Each service member is regularly tested. A Military OneSource Health and Wellness Coach can help you get or stay fit.

Military Insignia: What Are Those Stripes and Bars?

December 12, 2018 @ 2:36 PM | 3 Min Read | 27062 Views

The stripes and bars on a military uniform signify rank. If you’re new to the military, you know enough to understand that rank matters.

Thrift Savings Plan Options: Making Your Retirement Dollars Work for You

December 12, 2018 @ 2:36 PM | 6 Min Read | 22230 Views

It’s never too early to start saving for retirement. The best way to get started is the Thrift Savings Plan, a retirement savings plan for federal employees and members of the uniformed services that gives you two ways to sock away some cash.

Support and Resources Through the Commissary and Exchange

December 12, 2018 @ 2:36 PM | 3 Min Read | 19093 Views

You may already know that shopping for groceries at the commissary or for electronics at the exchange can amount to significant savings. But you may not know that these stores also offer additional perks like contest prizes, scholarships and family employment opportunities, all while supporting your war-fighter overseas. Check out our listings below for benefits you may not have heard about.

A service member smiles and holds up a pink piggy bank

The Savings Deposit Program

December 12, 2018 @ 2:36 PM | 5 Min Read | 23965 Views

If a combat deployment is in your future, be sure to learn about the Savings Deposit Program, a savings account that earns you 10 percent interest. An effective way to collect some savings, the Savings Deposit Program can help you and your family achieve your financial goals.

Air Force Basic Training: What to Expect

December 12, 2018 @ 2:36 PM | 1 Min Read | 33882 Views

When joining the Air Force you can choose one of two paths, either enlist or get a commission as an officer. If you enlist, your first stop will be Air Force Basic Training, eight-and-a-half weeks of physical preparation to serve, before you move onto more technical training. If you take the officer path, you’ll go to Officer Training School, the U.S. Air Force Academy or Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps.

Navy Basic Crewman Training candidate takes a breath during a conditioning swim

Navy Boot Camp and Officer Candidate School: What to Expect

August 29, 2018 @ 12:55 PM | 2 Min Read | 47565 Views

Navy Boot Camp is the first step in turning you into a sailor with all the skills to perform in the fleet. If you're on the Navy officer path, you'll attend a 12-week course to prepare for an officer's responsibilities. Know what to expect and arrive ready for Navy training.

Army soldiers low crawl while negotiating an obstacle course in basic training

Army Basic Training and Officer Candidate School: What to Expect

August 29, 2018 @ 12:54 PM | 4 Min Read | 74547 Views

Basic training is the first step in preparing you to be a soldier. It starts with basic combat training or Army boot camp. Then comes specialized training in your career field — or you may go to Officer Candidate School to master Army leadership skills.

Four new service members do push-ups in front of a line of their peers.

What to Pack for Basic Training

August 29, 2018 @ 12:48 PM | 4 Min Read | 81168 Views

You'll need to take only a few basic things when you head off to basic training - everything else will be provided for you. Your recruiter will give you a list of what you must take and what you definitely shouldn't pack.

American Red Cross branded First-Aid materials are spread across a table.

American Red Cross Support for Military Families

August 29, 2018 @ 12:46 PM | 3 Min Read | 21379 Views

The American Red Cross offers important support to service members, veterans and their families. You'll find the Red Cross in hometowns across America, on military installations around the world and deployed with the armed forces to Afghanistan, Kuwait and Djibouti.

Marine Corps Boot Camp and Officer Candidates School: What to Expect

March 15, 2018 @ 10:02 AM | 5 Min Read | 26516 Views

Marine Corps Basic Recruit Training is the first step in preparing you mentally and physically to serve. The second step is the School of Infantry, where you'll develop core skills for service.

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New to the Military